The Mid by Midwest music festival is organized for and by the Detroit music community. It takes place in the heart of the Detroit music scene, and exactly half of the event's net proceeds go to an area charity. The other half of the proceeds is offered back to the artists who make the event possible, though many of the participating musicians opt to add their pay to the overall donation. Last year MXMW donated nearly four thousand dollars to HAVEN, an organization that provides shelter and assistance to abused women in Southeast Michigan.

Because of its homegrown roots, and because so many associated businesses generously donate their services to make the event a reality, MXMW has almost no overhead. And because MXMW makes it receipt numbers available to everyone, both artists and audiences can see exactly where their money goes.

This year's event benefits Gleaners and the Food Bank of Oakland County; both organizations do extraordinary work in and around the Detroit area feeding homeless and low-income citizens.

MXMW wristbands are $10 each and access to any show over the course of the event. Single-show tickets are only $5. See below for the schedule and bands.

This year's event is hosted by the Majestic Complex, the Lager House, the Old Miami and the Motor City Brewing Works.

MXMW was founded by a group of Detroit musicians, club owners, promoters and fans who felt a growing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Metro Times chooses to handle its Blowout event. Some of these musicians felt that the Detroit Music Awards (the Blowout's sole charity beneficiary up until 2002) was an archaic institution, out of touch with the real and vital core of Detroit's music community. Others became disillusioned when they realized that the Blowout's prime financial beneficiary was the Metro Times itself, an entity that garners revenue through the weekly placing of advertisements.

The Charities

MXMW is proud to announce that 2002's charities will be Gleaners Community Food Bank and The Food Bank of Oakland County.

Both Gleaners and the Food Bank of Oakland County strive to alleviate hunger by storing and distributing food to local nonprofit agencies and charities that directly feed the poor and hungry. Gleaners serves the entire metro Detroit area, while the Food Bank of Oakland County serves Oakland County.

Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit's Spring music fests

How much money does the Metro Times make on its annual Blowout event?

How much Blowout revenue is actually donated to charity?

Is the Blowout one of the Metro Times' top money making events?

How many other alternative newsweeklies generate revenue by staging an event where artists are expected to play for free?

Why would artists choose to play for free at an event designed to generate revenue for a commercial entity?

Are certain bands paid to appear at the Blowout? If so, is this made public?

Can a commercial entity that generates income via ad dollars really be considered a proper benificiary of charity? Are there any other charities in the Detroit area who might be in greater need of charitable assistance than the Metro Times?